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Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
06:43

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus

Published on: December 7, 2013

Clinical applicability of coronary atherosclerotic lesion characterization

E Kaluski1, A Waller, A Patel

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital and New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA. kalusked@umdnj.edu

Minerva Cardioangiologica
|April 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) causes unpredictable cardiac events. This review explores vulnerable plaque (VP) pathology and characterization, aiming to predict and prevent major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pathophysiology
  • Medical Research

Background:

  • Coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) is a diffuse disease linked to major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including myocardial infarction and heart failure.
  • The timing and location of MACE in CAS are currently unpredictable.
  • Identifying "vulnerable plaque" (VP) is crucial for preventing MACE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the pathology and natural history of VP and the vulnerable patient.
  • To discuss progress in characterizing atherosclerotic plaque instability and vulnerability.
  • To explore future directions in plaque characterization for clinical and research applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of emerging data on vulnerable plaque.
  • Analysis of progress in characterizing atherosclerotic plaque instability.
  • Discussion of future research and clinical applications.

Main Results:

  • CAS is a progressive disease associated with unpredictable MACE.
  • Characterizing VP is key to understanding CAS pathophysiology.
  • Emerging data sheds light on VP pathology and natural history.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into plaque characterization is needed.
  • Improved understanding of VP can lead to better MACE prediction and prevention.
  • Future strategies may enable early detection and treatment of vulnerable plaques.

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